Acting on behalf of David Thurgood of Grant Thornton UK LLP, Joint Administrator of Pubs ‘n’ Bars, Christie + Co has sold the freehold of the Lion & Unicorn pub in Kentish Town, north west London, to Geronimo Inns, the food-led pub group recently acquired by Young’s, for an undisclosed sum.
Located on a prominent corner location, the Lion & Unicorn is a traditional wet-led pub, with a main bar and trade garden to the rear.
The property’s first floor is home to Giant Olive, the resident theatre company, which will continue to use the property after a brief period of refurbishment is carried out throughout the business.
Geronimo Inns, which is led by Rupert and Jo Clevely, was acquired by Young’s before Christmas, for £60 million.
The company currently operates a further 26 sites across London, plus the Red Barn in Lingfield, Surrey.
The managed-house group added the Surprise pub in Chelsea, to its estate in December.
Pubs ‘n’ Bars collapsed into administration in December 2009. At the time, the company owned and operated 87 community pubs in the South East.
Simon Chaplin, Director at Christie + Co, said: “London-based freehold opportunities continue to generate a healthy interest from a wide range of buyers.
We are delighted to have been able to secure such a high-class operator, such as Geronimo Inns, for the Lion & Unicorn.
We are also delighted that the theatre group will continue to play an important role in the fabric of this unique business.”